gocron

gocron is a lightweight task scheduler that executes recurring jobs defined in a YAML configuration. It combines a Go backend with a Vue.js frontend, supports cron expressions for timing, and exposes an API for job management.

Key Features

• YAML configuration file to define defaults, multiple jobs, cron schedules, environment variables, and sequential commands per job
• Cron expression support for precise scheduling and per-job overrides
• Per-job environment variables passed into executed commands
• Web UI built with Vue.js for viewing and managing jobs, plus API documentation and endpoints
• Docker and Docker Compose friendly deployment with a ready container image
• Ability to include and manage common backup tools via configuration (apprise, borgbackup, restic, rclone, rsync, kopia, etc.)

Use Cases

• Schedule regular system maintenance tasks, updates, and cleanup scripts on a single host
• Run automated backup jobs using configured backup tools at defined intervals
• Execute periodic data collection, reporting, or integration scripts in homelabs and small server environments

Limitations and Considerations

• Not designed as a distributed or highly-available scheduler; primarily single-node operation
• Job execution runs commands on the host where the service is deployed, so isolation and security depend on container/host configuration
• Lacks built-in enterprise features like clustering, advanced retry/backoff policies, and multi-tenant RBAC

gocron is suited for users who need a simple, file-driven scheduler with a web UI and Docker deployment. It is practical for homelabs, single-server automation, and scheduled backup workflows where lightweight configuration and local command execution are sufficient.